Payroll Specialist

Job Title: Payroll Specialist – Operations LiaisonLocation: Iron Mountain, MI 49801Pay Rate: $20.00 – $25.00/hrDuration: Contract through 11/20/2026Job SummaryThe Payroll Specialist – Operations Liaison acts as the critical bridge between the Operations floor and the Payroll department. This role is focused on resolving employee pay discrepancies, ensuring timekeeping accuracy, and providing administrative support to the payroll function. You will serve as the primary point of contact for frontline leaders and employees to ensure a seamless and accurate pay experience.Key ResponsibilitiesOperations & Employee SupportServe as the first point of contact for Operations leaders and employees regarding pay questions, discrepancies, and timekeeping issues.Investigate payroll concerns by reviewing timecards and coordinating directly with supervisors and managers.Educate managers on timekeeping best practices, company pay policies, and correction procedures.Guide employees through pay inquiries, including deductions, direct deposit changes, and tax withholding updates.Payroll Processing & CoordinationReview, validate, and reconcile time and attendance data prior to final payroll submission.Process retroactive payments, adjustments, and special earnings codes as required.Support life-cycle transactions affecting pay, including new-hire setups, terminations, and status changes.Partner with HR, Finance, and IT/Systems teams to troubleshoot system issues and support payroll-related initiatives.Reporting & ComplianceMaintain precise employee records in compliance with company policies and federal/state/local wage-and-hour regulations.Prepare and audit routine payroll reports to verify data integrity.Identify recurring pay issues or process gaps and recommend improvements to increase efficiency.Qualifications & RequirementsRequired Skills:Experience: 2–4 years of payroll, HR, or timekeeping experience (preferably in an operations-heavy or multi-location environment).Technical: Proficiency with major payroll/timekeeping systems (e.g., ADP, UKG, Paycom, or Workday ) and intermediate Excel skills.Knowledge: Strong understanding of wage-and-hour laws and common payroll practices.Analytical: High attention to detail with the ability to use data to resolve complex pay issues.Preferred Experience:Prior experience specifically as a liaison between HR/Payroll and Operations teams.Knowledge of union pay practices and multi-state payroll requirements.Core CompetenciesCustomer Service: Ability to handle employee concerns with empathy, urgency, and accuracy.Collaboration: Skilled at building productive relationships across cross-functional departments.Confidentiality: Proven ability to handle sensitive payroll data with the highest discretion.Organization: Able to manage multiple competing priorities within strict processing deadlines.Benefits:Health insuranceHealth savings accountDental insuranceVision insuranceFlexible spending accountsLife insuranceRetirement planAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.